Nayab Secures Spot at Florida’s South Asian International Film Festival

Umair Nasir Ali’s Nayab has earned a spot in the selection for the South Asian International Film Festival of Florida, according to the festival’s official website. The Pakistani film joins a collection of twenty-six films, including Shivani Mehra’s Me, Raani, Debra Gussin’s This Is Our Time, and Ram Kamal Mukherjee’s Binodiini.

Released in January last year, Nayab features Yumna Zaidi, Javed Sheikh, and Usama Khan in a sports drama that follows Yumna’s titular character on a coming-of-age journey.

“In the bustling heart of Karachi, a determined girl dreams of breaking stereotypes to play cricket for Pakistan, while her brother, a former rising star, struggles with his past. As they navigate the gritty world of local cricket, their unbreakable bond and the city’s turbulent history become their strongest allies in this deeply Pakistani tale of ambition, resilience, and family,” the synopsis reads.

Marking the film’s one-year anniversary, Umair took to Instagram to reflect on the achievement. “One year ago, Nayab became a monumental chapter in my journey as a filmmaker. My first feature film, a story that felt right, that resonated deeply,” he wrote.

He shared how the project allowed him to refine his craft as a narrative director, focus on shaping the storyline, work passionately with actors, and experience an emotionally fulfilling journey.

“I carried detailed notes for every actor, amplifying their strengths and guiding them to refine areas that needed nuance. Each day on set began with music, not just to set the tone but to block out distractions and focus entirely on execution,” he recalled.

Expressing gratitude for his team, he emphasized how each collaborator poured their heart into the project. “Nayab wasn’t just a film; it became a part of me. Over the past year, this film has traveled to places I could only dream of, shining across festivals worldwide.”

Umair concluded by thanking Vertical Cinema for creating a video to celebrate Nayab‘s one-year anniversary. “Moments like this remind me why we do what we do,” he wrote.

Also Read: Yumna Zaidi Promises to Win Against India in ‘Nayab’ Trailer